Handling the New Year’s Hangover

As a single ray of light pours in through the one crooked slant of the mini blinds in your bedroom, it ironically shines directly onto your face making your head hurt from the brightness. You try to turn your head but -- "ouch!" -- that hurts too.

You slowly open your eyes without moving any other part of your body and see a New Year’s Eve tiara on the floor. You don’t want to move, your body aches.

You had way too much fun last night. You are suffering from the New Year’s Day hangover.

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You peel yourself off your bed and stumble towards the bathroom. Why does it seem so warm in here? You make your way towards the sink to splash water on your face.

As you see your wilted reflection in the mirror you wonder why your shirt is on backwards. You push up your sleeves, turn on the faucet, and feel the water cooling your skin. As the water touches your lips, you realize just how thirsty you are.

You can’t help it. You cup your hands and start to drink the tap water like you can’t get enough. It’s going to be a long day.

How many times has this happened to you? You passed the limit of having fun and drank too much for your poor body.

Here are some tips on ways to help (or prevent) the hangover. These are pure suggestions from people that have suffered before you.

PREVENTION

1. Limit yourself. Drinks should be enjoyed not make you sick.

2. Do not drink on an empty stomach. New Year's Eve should be a time for enjoying a good meal with your drinks to celebrate.

3. Drink a glass of water between every alcoholic drink. This will help to keep you aware of how much you are drinking and give your body a full feeling so you will drink slower.

Also, finish your drink without allowing it to be “topped off.” You will have no way of knowing the amount that you are drinking if your glass never is empty.

4. Prior to going to sleep, drink plenty of water or Gatorade or something to keep your body hydrated. (I have even been told that Prickly Pear juice is what some people swear by.)

We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.